Ecuador Upsets Germany 2-1 in World Cup 2026 Group Match

On 25 June 2026, Ecuador defeated Germany 2‑1 in the Group E match of the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Leroy Sané opened the scoring for Germany in the second minute from a Florian Wirtz assist, but Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute and Gonzalo Plata secured the winner in the second half.

German media characterised the loss as a warning sign despite the team already having secured first place in the group and a round‑of‑16 berth. Outlets such as Sportschau, t‑online, Eurosport and ZDF highlighted the early lead loss and questioned the legality of the German opening goal. Ecuadorian and international press hailed the result as a sensational comeback that ensured the South American side qualified as one of the best third‑placed teams.

The match does not affect the group standings for Germany, who remain group winners, but it adds pressure ahead of the knockout phase while providing Ecuador with momentum heading into the round of 16.